Elite Car Customs

Reading PA's expert for fun and functional upgrades for your ride!

1176 Park Rd Unit A10, Reading, PA 19605 484-671-2343

BestCarAudio.com

Product Spotlight: Momento IC6 Infrared Camera

Momento IC6

Having a dashcam system like the Momento M6 (MD-6200) or M7 (MD-7200) installed in your vehicle is the best way to protect yourself from fraudulent accident claims. If you drive for Uber, Lyft or a taxi company, or operate a school bus or an airport shuttle, you’ll want video of what happens in the vehicle. The Momento IC6 (MD-IC6) interior camera is the perfect upgrade to the M6 or M7 to capture high-resolution video of the interior of the car, van or bus. Let’s look at why the features of the IC6 make it the perfect upgrade to round out your protection package.

Momento IC6 Interior Camera Specifications

The IC6 is a 1920×1080 pixel, 60-frames-per-second video camera with a 125-degree field of vision. The unit features six infrared LED emitters to illuminate the vehicle’s interior so it can record clear images at night.

When used with the M6 dashcam, the IC6 replaces the secondary camera included with the kit. When used with the new M7 dashcam, the IC6 plugs into the mounting base and serves as a third video stream along with the forward- and rear-facing cameras included in the system.

Momento IC6

Why You Need an Interior Camera

If you have passengers in your vehicle, especially in the case of rideshare, taxi, carpooling or after-school pickup situations, recording what happens in the vehicle is crucially important. Uber, Lyft and taxi drivers are often treated poorly or, in extreme cases, robbed or assaulted by unruly clients. Having a camera like the IC6 connected to a Momento dashcam system may be enough to discourage poor or illegal behavior. In a worst-case scenario, the operator will have clear evidence for law enforcement agencies and the insurance company. The IC6 is also an excellent solution for the owners of fleet vehicles who need to monitor operator behavior and safety compliance.

Flexible Installation Options

The IC6 is designed with a rotating mounting base that allows the camera to be turned 360 degrees and tilted up or down by 180 degrees. Your installer can work with you to choose a mounting location that will capture the entirety of the vehicle interior. The IC6 is often mounted on the windshield near the rear-view mirror or passenger-side corner. Mounting near the dome light might be an option for some specific commercial applications.

Momento IC6
The IC6 can be adjusted horizontally and vertically, then locked into place to capture clear video day or night.

Infrared Vision for Night Recording

Once the sun sets, normal cameras can’t record what’s happening in the vehicle’s interior. There might be a slight glow from the dash or radio display, but certainly not enough light for high-quality video of what’s happening everywhere in the interior. The infrared lighting system on the IC6 activates automatically when it’s dark to ensure that the IC6 camera captures every motion and gesture and the dashcam captures every word.

If you are curious about how the infrared lighting system works, here’s some additional detail. The human eye can detect light in wavelengths from about 400 nanometers (violet) to 750 nanometers (red) and everything in between. Infrared LED emitters are the same as what’s used on classic TV remotes. They emit light at wavelengths between 820 and 880 nanometers. This low-frequency energy isn’t visible to the human eye. The image sensor on the IC6 camera can detect and record infrared light and objects that IR emitters illuminate. The camera image will look monochromatic as the light source doesn’t cover the visible light range to show color information.

Momento IC6
Six infrared light transmitters illuminate the vehicle’s interior with invisible light to allow for recording in absolute darkness.

The IC6 camera also works with the M6 or M7 camera’s parking mode while you’re away from the vehicle. If someone is scoping out the contents of your car or trying to break in, the IC6 will record the whole thing. The wide field of vision can capture the faces of people trying to steal wheels or a catalytic converter – a theft problem that’s happening more and more frequently.

Momento IC6
An example of how the IC6 captures video in absolute darkness and can automatically adjust to brightly illuminated conditions.

Protect Yourself with the Momento IC6 Infrared Camera Upgrade

If you carry passengers or clients in your vehicle and want crystal-clear recordings of what’s going on in the interior, then visit your local authorized Momento retailer and ask about the M6 or M7 dashcam system and the optional IC6 infrared interior camera. You can find a Momento dealer near you using the locator tool on the website. For more information about Momento’s video and safety products, be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Vehicle Lighting Upgrades Offer Many Options

LightingWhen it comes to driving in the dark, the quality and quantity of lighting you have is paramount to your safety, and the safety of those around you. In recent years, automakers have begun to put significant effort into their lighting systems. From the days of incandescent lighting to upgrades with halogen gases, high-intensity discharge (HID), light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and – most recently – lasers, lighting has come a long way. The aftermarket is evolving quickly as well, so let’s look at some of the options that can make your nighttime drive safer.

Light Source Options

Factory headlight replacement options are the most popular upgrades available. There are three basic options: incandescent, LED and HID. Incandescent bulbs use a high-temperature filament that glows white-hot when current passes through it. Advances in materials and the selection of gases that are used in the construction of the light bulb have improved efficiency and longevity, as well as increased light output. A few years ago, tinted incandescent bulbs were popular – they gave the white/blue appearance of high-dollar HID kits. However, any time you put something between the light source and what you are trying to illuminate, you decrease the light output. Cool? Yes. Bright? Not so much.

LightingThe latest rage is LED lights. Vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Acura MDX and new Honda Civic are available with LED headlights. These light sources are very bright. They produce full output very quickly when turned on. In the aftermarket, LED replacement headlight bulbs are becoming more and more popular. The quality of LEDs available is increasing in tandem with demand. However, the light output (measured in lumens) is still a little behind that of HID bulbs. LED lights often cost more, because not as many are being produced – a supply-and-demand issue. LED lights also require external cooling. Aluminum heat sinks, braided metal tabs and fans are common solutions for helping to dissipate the heat generated by LEDs. These can pose challenges regarding installation and available space.

The 1996 Lincoln Mark VIII is credited as being the first production vehicle with HID headlights. This system works by increasing the 12V vehicle electrical system voltage up to around 100 volts. This voltage goes to a pair of electrodes in a gas-filled chamber. A steady spark between the two electrodes is what produces the light. However, it takes around 25,000 volts to get the lights to start working. That’s why you get a small, bright flash when you first turn on an HID system. HID lights are among the brightest on the market. The color of the light they produce is closer to that of sunlight, with more blue content than with incandescent bulbs.

Light Color

Lighting
Image courtesy of Vleds.com

We should talk about light color, or more accurately, light temperature is rated on the Kelvin scale. Lower numbers, around 3,500–4,500 K have significant yellow and orange content, and are similar to incandescent bulbs. Moving up the scale, 4,500–6,000 K is bluer and closer to sunlight. That said, as the blue content increases, so can the propensity for eye fatigue – blue light can be tiring to look at. You don’t want to go too high for daily use. Bulbs rated at 6,000–10,000 K are for appearance purposes only. The light becomes more purple toward the high-end of the spectrum. These are fine for a show car, but not practical or safe for daily use.

Light Intensity

Many people believe there is a direct correlation between color temperature and light output. That depends, of course, on the manufacturer of the bulb. The thinking is that lower temperatures produce more light output. Ultimately, the amount of light that is produced will determine how much and how far you can see.

Light output is measured in lumens. More lumens means more brightness, which, for a given beam pattern, means that the road will be illuminated better.

Beam Pattern

LightingWhen upgrading your headlights, it is critically important that you are conscious of the resulting beam pattern. The light that is emitted from the front your vehicle is in a specific pattern – not round like a flashlight. The beam has a flat line through it, ever so slightly below horizontal. This allows the light to illuminate the road without blinding oncoming drivers. The light should also be brighter near the edge of this cutoff, putting more light down the road rather than in front of the vehicle. Too much light in the foreground will cause your pupils to close slightly, reducing how far down the road you can see.

Likewise – and this is a great night driving tip – the brightness of the vehicle interior can have the same effect. Keep the dash and radio illumination as dim as possible. That can help you see further down the road.

If the new light bulbs you install change the beam pattern, remove them. They are not compatible with your headlights, and they will blind oncoming drivers. This is extremely dangerous and can cause accidents.

Headlight Styles

There are two types of factory headlight assemblies in use today: reflector style and projector style.

The projectors are fairly easy to recognize – they have smallish, 2–3” round lenses. Reflectors have a large, molded, mirror-finish bowl behind the light. While one is not necessarily better than the other, you do need to know which you have when you go shopping for upgrades. Aftermarket HID kits don’t typically work properly in reflector-style headlight assemblies. The beam pattern becomes uncontrolled, pointing light into the eyes of oncoming drivers. In many cases, depending on the specific design of the kit you choose, you can use an LED upgrade in those applications.

In projector-style systems, the shape of the internal reflector is designed to work with either incandescent or HID style bulbs. The position and shape of the light source differs between these two bulb types. You can often get away with putting HID bulb kits in a projector designed for Incandescent bulbs without any detrimental effects, but they may not be quite as bright or focused as an HID bulb in a projector designed specifically for that application.

Retrofits

If you are looking for the ultimate lighting upgrade, you may want to contact your local mobile electronics specialist about a retrofit. A retrofit involves removing the headlights from the vehicle, taking them apart, and installing new projectors with OEM-quality bulbs and ballasts. Most of these solutions use what is known as a bi-xenon projector. These projector assemblies have motorized shutters that move to produce a “high beam” light pattern. The output of these systems is among the best there is – perfect beam pattern, excellent cutoff and great light output. Some headlights are easier to work on than others, so contact a local specialist for details about your lights.

You can also make some cosmetic changes while the lights are apart. The installation of LED halo rings, and painting some of the interior components can have a dramatic effect on the look of the vehicle.

Wiring

LightingWhen you want to change headlights, wiring is often involved. Many new vehicles have systems in place to detect when a bulb is burnt out. They can also modulate the voltage to high-beam lighting circuits to operate them as daytime running lights.

When it comes to wiring, nobody is better than your local car audio specialist retailer. Work with them to ensure that your new light wiring can provide enough current and operates the way it should. Relays, capacitors and load resistors may be required to achieve the results you want. Don’t ever skimp on wiring – it affects the reliability of the lights you install, and your safety is at risk.

A Word of Caution About Vehicle Lighting Upgrades

We want to remind you that your headlights are a tool. They are not toys, and their performance and reliability are of the utmost importance to your safety and the safety of those you share the road with. Lighting upgrades are a great way to improve your safety at night. Drop by your local mobile electronics specialist and discuss your options.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate Punch P1000X5 Five-Channel Amplifier

Rockford Fosgate P1000X5

If the sound system in your car or truck doesn’t put a smile on your face, it’s time to visit your local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the impressive P1000X5 five-channel amplifier. This single-channel amp can dish out an effortless 75 watts of power from the four main channels and up to 500 watts of power to a subwoofer. Best of all, it has all the features your installer needs to connect it to almost any factory-installed audio system. If you aren’t intrigued, you should be! Let’s dive deeper.

A Five-Channel Car Audio Amp Is the Perfect Upgrade

If you’ve ever tried to crank up the volume on your car stereo and it began distorting just as things were getting fun, then you need to upgrade your audio system with an amplifier. The P1000X5 is part of the Punch Series from Rockford Fosgate, so it has all the power, features and sound quality you’d ever want.

Let’s start with the power specifications. The P1000X5 is rated to produce 75 watts by four and 150 watts from the subwoofer channel into 4-ohm loads. When connected to 2-ohm speakers, the maximum power output jumps to 150 by four and 300 for the sub channel. If you want to go all out, your installer can design your subwoofer system to present a 1-ohm load to the mono channel so the amp can produce 500 watts of power. The amp can also be configured for three-channel operation where it can produce 250 watts into a pair of 4-ohm speakers and 500 watts into a 1-ohm subwoofer.

Rockford Fosgate P1000X5
All the controls and adjustments for the P1000X5 are on top of the amp to make it easy for your installer to configure.

The P1000X5 includes high-pass crossovers on the front and rear channels that are adjustable from 50 to 250 Hz with -12 dB/octave slopes. The subwoofer channel has a low-pass crossover that’s also adjustable from 50 to 250 Hz and a selectable infrasonic filter set to 28 Hz. The front, rear and subwoofer channels have dedicated sensitivity controls that will accept from 150 millivolts up to an impressive 12 volts. The inputs are differential, so they can handle direct connections to low-power source units without the need for an adapter. The amp has dedicated stereo inputs for the front, rear and sub channels, or it can be configured to feed the sub output from the front and rear, or the rear and sub from just the front.

All three sets of channels feature the on-board Punch EQ circuit, designed to correct for acoustical deficiencies in the cabin of the vehicle. Your installer can dial in up to 18 dB of boost at 45 Hz on the sub channel and up to 14 dB of boost at 12.5 kHz on the front channels. The amp also has a provision for the optional Remote Punch Level control to let the driver adjust the relative level of the sub to the rest of the speakers. In addition, the front, rear and subwoofer channels all feature the C.L.E.A.N. Set-Up feature that lets your installer match your source unit to the amplifier and know when the output signal is clipping.

Rockford Fosgate P1000X5
The famous Rockford Fosgate Punch EQ circuit adds impact and detail without boominess or harshness.

The P1000X5 is 15 inches wide, 7.8 inches long and only 2.4 inches tall. As with the other amps in the Punch series, this amp uses a high-mass cast aluminum heatsink that helps keep things cool while reducing distortion and extending reliability. The amp also features NOMAD protection circuitry that monitors voltages and temperatures to keep the amp safe.

In terms of output device topology, the front and rear channels feature a Class AB design that uses Rockford Fosgate’s proprietary TRANS•ANA configuration to minimize circuit complexity and maximize sound quality. The subwoofer channel is an efficient Class BD design that delivers big power without drawing significant amounts of current from the charging system.

Rockford Fosgate P1000X5
The P1000X5 features top-mounted controls with power, signal and speaker connections located on one side to ensure that the installation remains neat and tidy.

Rockford Fosgate’s Punch P1000X5 – The Perfect Car Audio System Amplifier

One of the most significant benefits of powering your audio system with a five-channel amp is the simplicity of installation. A single-chassis amp doesn’t require multiple power wires or distribution – which can save you a lot of money. Second, five-channel amplifiers typically take up less space than using an amp for the main speakers and a second for a subwoofer.

If you want more performance out of the speakers in your car or truck and are thinking about adding a subwoofer at the same time, drop by your local authorized Rockford Fosgate car audio retailer and ask about the amazing Punch Series P1000X5 five-channel amplifier. You can learn more about this cool amplifier by visiting the Rockford Fosgate website. Be sure to follow their Facebook page, Instagram feed and YouTube channel to learn about the latest audio system solutions for your car, truck, motorcycle or boat.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Momento M7 Dash Camera

Momento M7

Protecting yourself against fraud and false accusations while driving is easier when you have a dashcam system installed in your car or truck. Momento, the collision avoidance and safety technology brand from Firstech, has just introduced a new and revolutionary video recording solution – the M7, also known as the MD-7200. This new dash camera system increases the camera’s recording resolution, adds support for up to two additional cameras, and includes a unique radar-based motion sensor for parking mode.

Momento M7
The heart of the new Momento M7 is a QHD dashcam that includes a color LCD touchscreen for easy control and configuration.

Dashcam Video Features

The M7 is a super-compact dashcam system with a body measuring just over 2 inches wide, 1.5 inches tall and a mere 1.14 inches deep. The camera includes a windshield mounting bracket with the power, rear camera and interior camera connections built in for a tidy installation. The GPS receiver is also built into the base to have a clear view of the sky to provide as much accuracy as possible.

Momento M7
The mounting bracket includes rear and interior camera connections as well as the power connection and GPS antenna.

A compact color LCD touchscreen is on the rear of the body. Your installer can configure the camera settings quickly and easily through the menu, and you can view videos right in the vehicle without needing a computer or smartphone.

Momento M7
The color touchscreen will display the forward or rear camera image and includes an intuitive menu system.

The integrated forward-facing camera features a QHD (Quad HD) 2560-by-1440-pixel image sensor. That’s an increase in detail of 1.78 times what’s offered by 1080p sensors. As we’ve mentioned numerous times, image sensor resolution is crucial for capturing vital information like license plates and other identifying marks. Low-light and high-contrast video performance are a key part of what separates good cameras from great ones. The 5-megapixel image sensor in the M7 benefits from class-leading light sensitivity, exceptional noise reduction in dark conditions and seamless dual-exposure HDR to ensure that every detail is captured with the utmost clarity. It’s designed around a native 16:9 aspect ratio.

A key feature of the M7 is that the system comes out of the box with a high-performance rear camera. Many competing solutions have secondary cameras as an optional upgrade. Momento felt it was just as important to capture what was happening behind the vehicle as in front. The rear camera has a 1080p sensor, and the mounting bracket can be adjusted for perfect coverage out the back window of a sedan, hatchback, SUV or pickup truck.

Momento M7
The M7 system includes a 1080p rear camera.

The optional IC6 (known formally as the MD-IC6) vehicle interior camera is also 1080p and includes infrared emitters so everyone and everything inside the vehicle will be visible in the recording, even when it’s dark.

Finally, the M7 system includes a 64 GB microSD memory card, so there’s nothing extra required before your installer gets to work. Of course, a power harness is also included, so your installer can wire the camera system into the power and ignition sources for seamless operation.

Eco Mode Parking

Most modern dashcams have a function called Parking Mode. When the camera system is stationary for a short time (usually a few minutes), it stops storing video on the memory card. Most cameras continue to monitor what’s happening around the vehicle, and then they store a video file when the image sensor detects that someone or something has moved. Parking mode operating requires roughly 240 to 250 milliamps of current draw from the vehicle battery. This amount of current can drain the battery significantly after just a day or two.

The new Momento M7’s Eco Mode doesn’t use the image sensor to monitor motion. Instead, the M7 has a built-in radar sensor, as you’d find in a commercial building security system. When the radar sensor detects motion, the M7 starts to store video again. The benefit of this design is that the radar sensor motion detector draws less than 30 milliamps of current. Unless someone is circling your car constantly, that’s a massive reduction in current consumption that translates into less draw from the vehicle battery.

Momento M7
An integrated radar sensor monitors the area in front of your vehicle for motion while in parking mode.

Just as with Momento’s previous flagship dashcam, the M6 or MD-6200, during regular driving, the integrated accelerometer can trigger an alert recording that captures 15 seconds before the trigger and 15 seconds after. In addition, you can start a manual event recording by tapping on the REC button in the lower right corner of the touchscreen should you witness something abnormal during your driving adventures.

Easy-to-Use Desktop Software

You can download the M7 PC or Apple viewing software directly from the Momento website to easily navigate videos stored on the card with your desktop computer. The software will also allow you to view the front, rear or interior video feeds along with vehicle speed and location information. The location information is overlaid onto Google Maps data to see exactly where the vehicle was headed. Finally, data from the three-axis accelerometer is also shown on the screen, so braking, sudden steering inputs or an impact are also visible.

Upgrade Your Protection with the Momento M7 Dashcam

If you’re looking for a premium dash camera system with a high-resolution image sensor, support for multiple cameras and the latest in power-saving parking mode monitoring, visit a local authorized Momento retailer and ask about the new M7 dual-camera dashcam with radar. You can find a retailer near to you using the online dealer locator on their website. Also, be sure to follow Momento on Facebook, Instagram and to keep up with their latest news and product releases.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Product Spotlight: Rockford Fosgate M2WL-8 Wakeboard Tower Speakers

Rockford M2WL-8

Whether you’re waterskiing, wakeboarding or towing friends on a tube, having great music to accompany your time on the water makes a day of fun even better. When it comes to wakeboard tower speakers, the powersports audio fanatics at Rockford Fosgate have the perfect solution to ensure that everyone on the boat and at the end of the rope can hear your favorite jams. Let’s look at the Rockford Fosgate M2WL-8 wakeboard tower speakers and the PMX-RGB LED lighting controller.

Wakeboard Tower Speakers Done Right

The M2WL-8 are Rockford Fosgate’s second generation of wakeboard tower speakers. The kit includes a pair of enclosures loaded with the 8-inch M2-8 coaxial drivers. In addition, a set of universal tower bar clamps are included, along with inserts to work with bars from 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. The clamps allow the speakers to be rotated by 360 degrees for each alignment during installation. Stainless steel grilles are mounted to the speakers out of the box but can be removed quickly to reveal the white, sport-style, twin-six-spoke grilles in behind. Finally, the speakers include Rockford Fosgate’s Color Optix RGB LED illumination system, and the rear of the enclosures boasts the new 3DIL RGB-illuminated Rockford Fosgate logo. The tower speakers are also available in black as part number M2WL-8B.

Rockford M2WL-8
The included clamps have inserts to allow secure mounting on tower bars from 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter.

When it comes to marine speakers, there are three important product selection criteria: performance, longevity and style. Rockford Fosgate uses Klippel testing during the speaker development process to ensure that all of their drivers operate as linearly as possible. This design verification and testing process translates to speakers that deliver clearer and more detailed sound, especially at high output levels. In addition, the speakers are rated to handle 250 watts continuous and an impressive 1,000 watts of peak power, thanks to the large-diameter voice coils and high-quality crossover networks.

Rockford M2WL-8
The RGB LED illuminated 3DIL logo on the rear of the speakers can be rotated to suit any installation angle.

The M2-8 speakers are based on a PA66 glass-fiber-reinforced chassis for rigidity and thermal stability. At the heart of each speaker is a 1-inch voice coil wrapped around a high-temperature Kapton former. The voice coil is centered by a linear spider made from an aramid-polyester composite. The woofer cone is mineral-filled polypropylene with UV inhibitors and is bounded by a UV- and salt-resistant thermoplastic elastomer surround. The surround and cone benefit from Rockford Fosgate’s Vertical Attach Surround Technique, which allows for up to 25% more effective cone area than conventionally designed drivers. The tweeter in each speaker is made from what Rockford Fosgate calls laminated PXNX, and they have a dome profile with a 1-inch voice coil and dual neodymium magnets.

Rockford M2WL-8
The M2WL-8 set includes wire pigtails, brackets and all the hardware your installer will need to start the installation.

Marine Speakers Made to Last

In terms of longevity, the M2WL-8 meets all the water- and UV-resistance requirements to bear the Element Ready moniker. The speakers are IPX6 water-intrusion rated, and the enclosures are molded from UV-resistant ASA plastic for rigidity and to keep weight down.

Rockford Fosgate’s attention to detail includes dual water-resistant Deutsch/Amphenol DT-Series connectors with silicone gaskets. One connector is in the center of the clamp, and the second is behind the mounting hardware access port. The speakers can be mounted directly to many tower brackets without a clamp, and the dual-connection options keep wiring simple and clean in every application. Speaking of mounting, a concealed security Torx fastener keeps everything rock solid, even when you’re pounding across the tops of waves and wakes.

Great Sound with a Cool Look

The Color Optix RGB LED lighting works with the RMX-RGB wireless controller module. Using the free RFConnect app on your Apple iPhone or an Android device, you can set the illumination color on the speaker cones and 3DIL logo to almost anything under the rainbow. You can even adjust the brightness or choose from 30 color scrolling patterns. In terms of attention to detail, the Diamond R logo on the 3DIL can be rotated, so it’s upright, no matter what angle the speakers are installed.

Rockford M2WL-8
The M2WL-8 kit includes removable stainless steel speaker grilles, so you can choose the style you want at no extra cost.

Upgrade Your Wake Boat with Rockford Fosgate

If you want a set of wakeboard tower speakers that will sound amazing, look cool and last for years, drop by your local authorized Rockford Fosgate retailer and ask about the M2WL-8 system. They’d be happy to provide you with a quote to upgrade your boat. For more information on these tower speakers, visit the Rockford Fosgate website and be sure to follow them on Facebook, Instagram and of course YouTube.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.